Category: Tech

Apple unveiled its new Apple Watch Series 4 line of smartwatches today. This major design overhaul boasts a new, 30% larger screen that is practically edge to edge. Apple Watch users will be able to see more options in their watchOS 5 apps with this larger screen.

The digital crown will now include haptic feedback with the LTE red dot changing into an LTE red ring. The back of the Apple Watch is now ceramic and sapphire crystal.

Apple’s new dual-core 64-bit S4 processor was designed in house by the their silicon team for improved performance. The new Apple Watch will also have an updated accelerometer and gyroscope with built-in fall detection. The new fall detection will be able to trigger a call to emergency services in the event that you are immobile for a minute after a fall.

The biggest announcement, however, is the ability for the Apple Watch Series 4 to take an electrocardiogram or ECG. This is a first for any wearable product on the market and any ECG product offered over the counter to consumers. You can just open the app and press the digital crown to use the feature. The ECG app is FDA approved and backed by the American Heart Association.

With all these improvements, battery life for the Apple Watch Series 4 will be the same at 18 hours. New stainless and gold stainless finishes with be available and all existing bands will still work with the new watch.

Apple Watch Series 4 will be able for preorder on September 14, shipping on September 21, starting at $399 for the GPS version and $499 for the LTE version. Apple Watch S3 will still be available at a reduced price of $279. WatchOS 5 will be available to everyone starting September 17

The following article was not paid for or sponsored by Samsung… but if the electronics giant is reading this, we do accept donations. Wink Wink!

Do you own one of these Samsung devices?

If the answer is yes, then pound it my Samsung brotha ?.

Your device is compatible with Samsung Pay – the middle man you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Samsung Pay is a revolutionary application that allows you to load your debit cards, credit cards, and store rewards cards right onto your Samsung phone. With Samsung Pay, you can purchase items in store without the need of your physical card by simply tapping or scanning one’s phone on the POS pin pad.

Many folks will be hesitant to ditch their tiny rectangular plastic companions in favor of electronic ones, but before you discount the concept completely, check out five reasons why you definitely should try out Samsung Pay!

#5 It’s freeeeeeee!

There are no service charges or annual fees when you use Samsung Pay.

It’s literally freer than a majestic American bald eagle on the Fourth of July.

#4 You won’t need to worry about forgetting your wallet

Our phones have become an extension of our bodies, and for some of us, browsing cat memes on Tumblr is as essential as breathing. So I know, you know, and the whole world knows that a human being in the 21st century is not going to be leaving the house without their cell phone in hand.

It just doesn’t happen.

Forgetting your wallet, though? That happens. And in my case, more often than I care to admit (*cough* almost everyday *cough*)

With Samsung Pay, I have the security of knowing that I always have my debit card with me… even if the physical one is currently in the middle of a laundry wash cycle.

#3 Digital payments are securer than swiping

Your card information is stored in retail stores’ online systems the moment you finish your transaction. Hackers are able to steal your card number (and millions of other card numbers) by installing malware into retail stores’ security and payments systems. These hacks tend to occur during the holiday season, when shoppers are out in record numbers.

Remember that massive Target hack? Yeaaaaahhh.

Samsung Pay keeps your credit card information safe by using tokens to transmit your payment information to the store POS. This means that your card number and other sensitive information will never be shared wirelessly.

Worried about exposing your credit card information in the event that you lose your phone? Don’t be. Your Samsung Pay account is fingerprint secured, so you, and only you, can access and use it.

#2 It’s accepted basically everywhere

This technology is a standard feature in many modern POS terminals, but not all stores have switched over to the new technology.

Samsung Pay is the only digital wallet service to accompany NFC with MST (magnetic secure transmission) technology, which, long story short, means the app will work on normal (albeit archaic) magnetic swipe terminals.

Samsung’s patented MST technology doesn’t work 100% of the time (usually in old ma and pop stores where the clerk watches in silent, judgmental confusion as you hit your phone against their swiper like an animal), but it works often enough to make Samsung Pay the most widely accepted digital wallet service in existence.

#1 You shall be rewarded!

Samsung loves to occasionally reward its users with free gift cards (and I love to use them!).

As of this writing, all new users will receive a $10 Visa gift card after their first qualifying purchase (no minimum purchase!), and new and existing users will receive a $5 Dunkin Donuts gift card after making three qualified purchases (again, no minimum!).

Make sure to put in a referral code before making your first purchase and you (and the person who referred you) will receive a $5 Visa gift card after your first purchase. Users can earn up to $200 by referring friends and family to Samsung Pay.

Free money? You’d have to be bat-shit crazy to say no to that.

So what are you waiting for? Download Samsung Pay today and get your first $5 reward by using referral code F21F03 !

New York Comic Con is coming up in October, but the NYCC exclusive Nerd Block is already here!

The exclusive box was released in limited circulation by Nerd Block and ReedPop.

A limited-edition curated collection of epic NYCC collectibles and gear for serious convention nerds! The Limited Edition NYCC Block contains 10 amazing collectibles as well as an officially licensed T-shirt designed by ShirtPunch. In total, this block has SIX EXCLUSIVES – including an Infinity Gauntlet exclusive! Retail value of over $90, for only $39.99! – NerdBlock

My box was delivered over the weekend while I was out of town, so I asked my boyfriend to stop by my house and pick it up for me. After all, I couldn’t have $90 worth of NYCC merchandise sitting on my doorstep for an entire weekend!

Had I known what was in the box, I probably would have left it for the thieves on purpose.

Here’s what I got:

NYCC T-Shirt

I was hoping that the provided t-shirt would be a NYCC design, and I wasn’t disappointed.

The design is charmingly plain, and the shirt is soft and of good quality. Women’s graphic tees tend to run small, but I found the size (a women’s small) to be a true fit.

Now do I wear this or my favorite geeky tee to Comic Con? Decisions, decisions.

Rating: 5/5 ripped Hulk shirts.

NYCC Pin

I didn’t expect to see a pin in a box full of NYCC exclusives, but okay. I’ll roll with it.

The pin is designed to look like a New York City sewer grate (aka a Ninja Turtle door), and surprisingly enough, it’s extremely sturdy! The addition of a second clasp provides an extra opportunity to stab yourself. Yass!

Rating: 4/5 Spongebob Squarepants band-aids.

Gryffindor Socks

Master has given Meggy Harry Potter socks… Meggy is free!

I love Harry Potter. I love socks. Mix the two together, and I’m officially enthralled.

These Gryffindor socks are incredible cute, but unless you have a child’s shins and calves, the print will stretch and become distorted. They’re a little snug, as well, which is sure to be a huge issue for anyone with large calves.

Rating: 3.5/5 Quidditch goals

Revolution Issue #1

It wouldn’t be a comic convention box without a comic, now would it?

Revolution is a brand new Transformers comic book series by IDW publishing. The cover art looks incredible, and after a quick browse through the actual comic, I’m pleased to say that the interior artwork is stunning as well.

I haven’t paid much attention to Transformers since Michael Bay butchered the series, but I’m excited to dive into this comic none the less!

I’ll be reviewing this comic at a later time, so stay tuned!

Rating: 4/5 Chevy ad placements and Victoria’s Secret models

Glow-in-the-Dark Slimer Dashboard Spring

This dash accessory has the shape of Slimer down, but the ghoul’s eyes are too small, too red, and way too creepy for my taste. It does glow in the dark very well, and the spring is, well, springy.

I’m too terrified of this Slimer to keep it in my own vehicle, but I definitely know my big brother would get a kick out of it! #regift

Rating: 2/5 crossed streams

The Walking Dead projection key chain flashlight

This key chain light is decorated with The Walking Dead‘s logo and projects the series iconic “Don’t Open, Dead Inside” when flashed onto a surface.

It’s a neat little gimmick that is sure to get old quick, but the light is bright enough to act like an actual flashlight when you’re fumbling for something in the dark.

Kind of lame, kind of cool, kind of going on my lanyard.

…For now

Rating: 3/5 chained walker pets

Ninja Turtle Shoelaces

Never have I ever rocked crazy shoelaces, but I’m totally ready to rock these Ninja Turtle ones!

The pattern is cute, the colors are vibrant, and the material seems sturdy enough for shoe laces.

They’re totally tubular, dude!

Rating: 4/5 pepperoni pizzas

Voltron Wallet

I don’t watch Voltron (sorry – I was a 90s baby) but now that I own a Voltron wallet, I guess I have to.

The design is nice, but the wallet itself is nothing special. It’s a standard canvas wallet that nearly anyone can design online. It’s cheaply made, and since there are no clasps (button, VELCRO, magnet) to keep the wallet closed, it awkwardly flops around and exposes your goodies. No bueno.

I don’t think I’ll ever use this – It may as well be a cheap paperweight.

Rating: 2/5 classic 80s cartoons

Infinity Gauntlet

Speaking of paper weights…

Included in the NYCC Nerd Block was an Infinity Gauntlet paperweight.

The gauntlet is adored with infinity crystals, but annoyingly enough, they are not perfectly centered in their designated spot. Even so, the gauntlet is beautiful and well designed.

I shall gaze upon this gauntlet each time I need to be motivated to take over the universe.

Rating: 4/5 guardians of the galaxy

Disco Spiral digital print

A terrible and strangely imagined digital print of an X-Men villain nobody cares about…and it’s not even autographed!

Say hello to the recycle bin, Spiral. May you be reborn as a Chipotle catering menu.

Rating: 0/5 mutant dance parties

Overall rating: 2/5 ridiculously long panel lines

Disappointment has a name, and it’s Nerdblock.

I purchased the New York Comic Con Nerd Block in hopes of getting my hands on highly coveted exclusive toys and accessories without waiting in line for hours, but nobody in their right mind would ever wait in line for the items I received.

These are the items you definitely would find in the Comic-Con clearance bin, and I paid 50 fucking dollars for them. Some of the items were neat, don’t get me wrong, but I essential paid $50 for $20 worth of low quality merchandise.

I feel incredibly ripped off and deceived. If I could return it all to Nerdblock for a refund, I would.

In honor of the continued success of Pokemon Go, this Dog Day Sunday we have decided to feature all of the dog-type Pokemon! Because digital animals are totally more interesting than real-life animals.

Though the original 151 features only two dog-type Pokemon (Arcanine and Growlith), subsequent generations of the Pokemon game and television series have given birth to a plethora of new adorable (and kind of scary) dog-type Pokemon.

Samsung Electronics is recalling all Galaxy Note 7 smartphones after finding that their device’s battery has the potential to catch fire or explode.

Videos and photographs of charred Note 7 devices began surfacing online shortly after the device’s August release, and Samsung has said in an official statement that the company was able to confirm 35 cases where Note 7s have caught fire or even exploded.

“There was a tiny problem in the manufacturing process, so it was very difficult to figure out,” Samsung Mobile president Dongjin Koh explained during a news conference. “It will cost us so much it makes my heart ache. Nevertheless, the reason we made this decision is because what is most important is customer safety.”

The Note 7 features a 3,500mAh lithium-ion battery, which is designed and manufactured by Samsung. However, due to heavy product demand, Samsung has enlisted third-party companies to help manufacture the battery used in the Note 7. Samsung believes that a faulty battery cell created by one of their third-party suppliers is to blame for the device fires, but the company has refused to name supplier responsible.

“We are currently working with [our battery suppliers] to protect our customers’ safety first and foremost,” noted a Samsung Mobile public relations representative.

Over 2.5 million Note 7s have been sold globally since the device launched 2 weeks ago, and it is estimated that 24 out of 1 million units may include a faulty battery.

No injuries resulting from battery malfunctions have been reported, but the company has decided to pause the sale of all Note 7 devices until the problem is resolved.

Customers who already bought Note 7s will be able to exchange their smartphone for new one in about 2 weeks, Koh estimates.

The recall effects Galaxy Note 7 owners and prospective owners in The United States, South Korea, and 8 other countries. Customers in China will not be effected by the recall and sale suspension, as the company uses a different battery supplier for that market.

GeekGirl World will update this story with Note 7 exchange directions when news of the process becomes available.

Ginny created her very own Pokémon Go trainer cosplay shortly after the game launched using colorful fabrics and a god-given gift with a sewing machine. Since then, the cosplayer has been flooded with commission requests from fellow trainers.

When I created my Pokémon Go trainer’s costume at light speed the weekend after the game was released, I had no idea that it would explode into thousands of new followers and dozens of commission requests. Unfortunately, I’m really not the commissioning type — I barely have enough time to sew for myself as it is! But what I can do for all the Pokétrainer hopefuls out there is walk you through how I put together my costume, so you can take a stab at your own! – Ginnydi.com

Those looking to create a cosplay with a different trainer color scheme need only to substitute the fabric colors!

Unfortunately Ginny’s tutorial does not cover how to create your trainer’s backpack, but creating one shouldn’t be too difficult. Just acquire a plain black or white backpack and decorate it with fabric and markers. Buying (or re-purposing) a backpack is kind of cheating, but it sure as hell beats trying to create a backpack with structural integrity.

After the costume has been created, finish the look by accessorizing it with a pokéball and a plush version of your favorite Pokémon!

Bonus points if you can get your hands on a pokédex.

Ready to recreate this look? Check out Ginny’s full tutorial to get started!

Pokémon Go has received a new update… and it’s nothing short of disastrous.

One of the game’s most interactive features – the 3-step Pokémon tracking system – had been broken for weeks, making it impossible for trainers to track Pokémon without the aid of a third party site or app. But rather than fixing the flawed tracking system, Niantic has decided to scrap the feature all together.

Niantic provided little-to-no information about the update once it was made available (smooth, real smooth), but they finally broke their silence late last night, explaining that the tracking system was “confusing and did not meet our underlying product goals.”

Hmm… I’m free ballin’ my thoughts here, but maybe, just maybe, that confusion is rooted in the fact that Niantic included no tracking tutorials within the game? Or any tutorials for that matter?

A lack of information from Niantic, coupled with the tracking system’s poor (and mostly non-existent) performance, ultimately sent many trainers into the warm, reliable arms of third party Pokémon Go websites and apps designed to help trainers find Pokémon in their area. These apps were especially helpful for physically disabled trainers, many of whom relied on this information to plan their Pokémon Go route.

But did we really think Niantic would make Pokémon hunting that easy? Ha!

Niantic has since issued cease and desist letters to all third party Pokémon finding sites and apps (including the popular Pokevision), and as of this writing, nearly all are abiding by Niantic’s wishes and have shut down their services for the foreseeable future.

With tracking and the third-party Pokémon finder sites disabled, trainers now have no choice but to wander around their neighborhoods mindlessly in order to find that Dragonite, Gyarados, or, God help us, Pidgey.

Needless to say, folks aren’t happy.

The social media backlash after the removal of the tracking feature has been massive, and some of the more zealous (and cheap) trainers have even gone so far as to demand refunds from Google and Apple for Pokémon Go in-game purchases. And shockingly enough, people are actually receiving them.

Niantic has not yet revealed any plans to reinstate a working version of the tracking feature, but if the backlash surrounding its absence says anything, they’d be fools not to at least try.

Follow GeekGirl World on Facebook and Twitter for up to date Pokémon Go news!

Pokémon Go fans have discovered a way to choose which Pokémon your Eevee evolves into, and it’s outlandish, simple, and awesome.

As it turns out, all you need to do to guarantee your preferred Eeveelution form is nickname your Pokémon a specific name:

Jolteon: Nickname your Eevee Sparky

Flareon: Nickname your Eevee Pyro

Vaporeon: Nickname your Eevee Rainer

Recognize these names? They’re not random.

Sparky, Pyro, and Rainer were the names of three of the four Eevee Brothers from the first season of Pokémon (episode 37, to be exact). These trainers were in possession of their respective Eevee (Sparky trained Jolteon, Pyro trained Flareon, and Rainer trained Vaporeon), and a fourth brother, Mikey, was trainer to a normal, unevolved Eevee.

Many fans have reported that this trick works flawlessly (I personally vouch for it), but there are some steps you might need to take to ensure that Eeveelution goes off without a hitch.

Step 1: Name your Eevee

Depending on which evolved form you are hoping and praying for, nickname your Eevee either Sparky, Pyro or Rainer. Capitalization does not seem to matter (at least in my experience), but it doesn’t hurt to make your proper nouns, well, proper.

Step 2: Reboot the app

Before you evolve your Eevee, make sure to reboot the app. This is a crucial step you might need to take to ensure that the nickname stuck, therefore stopping the game’s currently shaky servers from screwing you over during the evolution process.

Note: I was able to successfully evolve my Eevee into Vaporeon without rebooting the app, but I recommend doing this step nonetheless..

Step 3: Evolve!

The time is here! Now that you’ve nicknamed your Eevee and rebooted the app, it’s now time to hit the evolve button and watch the wondrous Eeveelution take place. If things go smoothly, then you should end up with your desired Eevee.

This Eeveelution trick may only work a limited number of times (according to some fans), so for now, only try it out on your most powerful Eevees.

Nintendo recently announced that a miniature, more technologically advanced version of their classic 1980’s console will be released this fall.

The revised console, named the NES Classic Edition, will not include a cartridge like its predecessor, but instead will be preloaded with 30 classic Nintendo games. The system will also include the original’s iconic game controller and will be compatible with Nintendo Wii and Wii U interactive controllers.

Players will be able to view the gameplay in high definition (well, as high definition as 80s and 90s games can get) by connecting the console to their TV via HDMI cable.

The fun-size NES retails for $59.99 and will include the following games:

Balloon Fight

Bubble Bobble

Castlevania

Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest

Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong Jr.

Double Dragon II: The Revenge

Dr. Mario

Excitebike

Final Fantasy

Galaga

Ghosts’N Goblins

Gradius

Ice Climber

Kid Icarus

Kirby’s Adventure

Mario Bros.

Mega Man 2

Metroid

Ninja Gaiden

Pac-Man

Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream

StarTropics

Super C

Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. 2

Super Mario Bros. 3

Tecmo Bowl

The Legend of Zelda

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Those looking to purchase the NES Classic Edition should mark their calendars now, as the system hits store shelves November 11th.

Online slots have become increasingly popular over the past few decades, possibly due to the fact they are a combination of two of our favourite things: the internet and video games! With so many slots out there on the World Wide Web there must be a couple that even the most inexperienced slots players will love, but we thought we’d save you some time by exploring some of the most popular, geek girl-friendly slots there are.

“The Dark Knight” (CC BY 2.0) by dennis.pope85

The Dark Knight Online Slot

Based on the immensely popular DC comic and 2012 movie The Dark Knight, this slot is without a doubt one of the best available online. Created by Microgaming, The Dark Knight Online Slot has a total of 243 ways to win and four progressive jackpots, so even newbies will have a good chance of reaping rewards. Fans of the movie trilogy will also appreciate the Cinematic Spins as they feature clips from the franchise, whilst many of the symbols are actually characters and scenes from The Dark Knight.

To win one of the Progressive Jackpots all you have to do is place a bet, choose one of the two main characters and spin the jackpot wheel. Dark Knight is just one of multiple slot games from 32Red UK, so head over there to receive a £10 no deposit bonus to try the slot for yourself!

Dead Or Alive

Set in the Wild West era of early 19th Century USA, NetEnt’s Dead Or Alive is sure to appeal to any ladies who enjoyed Red Dead Redemption, GUN or even Oregon Trail. It’s extremely easy to play with just 5-reels and 9-paylines, plus everyone has a chance of winning the mega jackpot worth 49,000 times your original wager.

In addition to the jackpot, there are also bonus features such as free spins featuring multipliers which are triggered when you land three pistol symbols in a row. Sticky Wilds – symbols that stick in the reels whilst the rest spin – will then be activated, and if you manage to get more than one of these during your Free Spins bonus round you have the chance to retrigger the round. Dead or Alive is available all over the web, including on Guts Casino where 100 free spins are currently on offer for new players.

Book Of Ra Deluxe

If you enjoy Egyptian mythology, Tomb Raider or The Mummy franchise, chances are you’ll love the Book of Ra Deluxe online slot. Created by Novamatic, Book of Ra Deluxe may not feature a bonus game but its Free Spins round is more than satisfactory.

The aim of the game is to get three Book of Ra symbols, as you’ll receive a total of 10 free spins that can be retriggered indefinitely. Keep spinning and you could even win up to 5000 times your original bet! If you’ve been watching this year’s E3 then you’ve probably got a good idea about what you’d use your winnings for, are we right? Like Dead Or Alive, Book of Ra Deluxe can be found on almost every online casino, including the up-and-coming Energy Casino where you’ll receive a 100% welcome bonus.

“Cleopatra” (CC BY 2.0) by M1key.me

Cleopatra

Cleopatra is another successful Egyptian-themed slot though this one comes from IGT and features the Pharaoh herself. This 5-reel, 20-payline slot is considered a classic by many, having remained incredibly popular for years.

Whilst playing Cleopatra, you can win a £10,000-coin jackpot simply by wagering as little as 20p per spin and landing 5 Cleopatra symbols. If you keep spinning there’s a chance you could get the Wild Cleopatra symbol which will ensure you achieve a row of winning symbols and will double your winnings. This slot requires a bit of grinding and a keen eye, so make sure you watch out for the Sphinx Symbol to get between 15 and 180 free spins.

Starburst

There are few online slots more popular than NetEnt’s Starburst, and it’s easy to see why. With 5 reels and 10 paylines, Starburst is a visually beautiful, exciting slot that is available on desktop, mobile and tablet.

Starburst is filled with Wild Symbols, which can substitute for every other symbol in the reels, though you’ll win big if the symbol ends up in the second, third or fourth reel. This will cause the reel to fill with Starburst Wilds and you’ll earn three re-spins. Due to its popularity, Starburst is available on almost every online casino.

“Jurassic Park” (CC BY 2.0) by KJGarbutt

Jurassic Park

Microgaming’s popular online slot, based on Steven Spielberg’s 1993 hit film Jurassic Park, is one of the most enjoyable games there is. With 5 reels and 243 ways to win, Jurassic Park is well worth the 15p it costs per spin, especially since you could win over 6,000 times your stake.

Anyone who enjoys fast-paced, thrilling action is sure to love the Bonus Rounds including T-Rex Alert Mode, which includes 6 free spins with 36 Wild Symbols that mean big wins especially if you get the Jurassic Park logo. Also watch out for 3 or more dinosaur egg Scatter Symbols, as you’ll activate the Free Spins feature where each round has its own unique arena and soundtrack. The Jurassic Park Online Slot is also available on 32Red.